Sometimes a marriage is doomed to fail, no matter how hard we try to keep it together. After the divorce settles and the grief are gone, it’s only expected that you’ll want to get back out there into the dating pool and look for someone special to share your time with—even though the very thought of dating again scares the pants off you.
Here are eight things single women who are in the middle of their lives should keep in mind when dating again.
1. Perfect your dating profile.
Online dating continues to be the go-to method of meeting eligible bachelors. If you want to find your special guy, you have to stand out from the rest and make men want to get to know you. You can do this by showing that you’re approachable, friendly, and interesting.
2. Test the waters and date men you normally wouldn’t.
There are millions of men online so why would you stick to the type that obviously hasn’t been working so well for you? Try dating that musician, that athlete, that businessman. Go for the hippie, the activist, the rebel. Now is your chance to see really what you’re into!
3. Always wear undergarments that make you feel sexy.
When you wear undergarments that make you feel sexy, that confidence will show through, and men are drawn to that like a bee to honey! Just remember that you are wearing these for you and who cares if no one sees them.
4. Have a first date outfit.
This outfit should be something that accentuates your assets, makes you feel incredible, and will make any man’s jaw drop. Not only will this outfit make you feel great, but it also cuts down on the first date jitters about what you are going to wear. Keep in mind; your first date isn’t the right time to wear something completely different—you want to be comfortable in what you’re wearing.
5. Don’t do anything you aren’t prepared to do.
When we say this, we are talking about casual sex and hooking up on the first date. If you aren’t the type of woman to get down and dirty on the first date, don’t start because you are tired of being alone.
6. Don’t go on a date with expectations.
The point of going out on a first date is to enjoy the company of someone new, get to know them, and see if there could be something there between the two of you. You don’t want to go into the date expecting to feel electric or some cosmic force pulling you together. Simply go to enjoy the ride.
7. Set up boundaries.
Much like with #5, you have to have some boundaries in place that goes beyond sex. For example, don’t let him pick you up at your place, agree to meet at the venue. Your boundaries could also include topics of what you can and cannot talk about, how much alcohol to drink, and anything else that could make the date uncomfortable too soon.
8. Stay positive about the experience.
Dating, in general, is full of ups and downs, but that doesn’t mean you have to let the low points weigh on you too much. Approach every first date with hope and treat every new person you meet like you’ve never been hurt before. The way you approach dating, in general, can greatly determine the outcome of the experience. If you approach it with a positive outlook, you’ll find you enjoy the experience all the more.